Is anyone familiar with the TSB concerning compressor failure in high ambient temperatures? Six days after I had a new compressor installed with new drier and expansion valve, the compressor "blew apart" per the dealer and I am told the condenser lacks the required kit per the TSB on this issue.

 

In our shop we found that most AC compressor failures that occur shortly after replacement are due to improper replacement. Refrigrent oil of the proper amount and kind are vital to compressor life. Replacing oil loss from a component failure is often overlooked.

NO: 24-15-98
GROUP: Air Conditioning
DATE: Nov. 20, 1998
SUBJECT:
A/C System
Performance
MODELS:
1998 - 1999 (JA) Breeze/Cirrus/Stratus
1998 - 1999 (JX) Sebring Convertible
NOTE :THIS BULLETIN APPLIES TO VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A 2.4L OR 2.5L ENGINE.
SYMPTOM/CONDITION:
A/C performance complaints and/or A/C compressor failure (seized) in high ambient temperatures (90°+ F). This condition can be aggravated by start and stop city driving and/or extended periods of idling with the A/C running.
DIAGNOSIS:
If the A/C compressor is failed, repair/replace as described on page 24-14 of the 1998 Breeze/Cirrus/Stratus Service Manual (Publication No. 81-270-8121) or page 24-14 of the 1998 Sebring Convertible Service Manual (Publication No. 81-270-8122) before proceeding. If A/C performance at high ambient temperature is unsatisfactory, even if it passes the Performance Test Procedure as described on page 24-5 of the 1998 Breeze/Cirrus/Stratus Service Manual (Publication No. 81-270-8121) or 1998 Sebring Convertible Service Manual (Publication No. 81-270-8122), continue with the diagnosis.
Using the Mopar Diagnostic System (MDS) or the Diagnostic Scan Tool (DRB III(R)) with the appropriate Diagnostic Procedures Manual, verify all engine/transmission systems are functioning as designed. If Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTC's) are present, record them on the repair order and repair as necessary before proceeding with the Repair Procedure.
NOTE :FOR MAXIMUM A/C SYSTEM PERFORMANCE ON 1998 M.Y. VEHICLES THIS BULLETIN SHOULD BE PERFORMED IN CONJUNCTION WITH TSB 24-04-98.
NOTE :WHENEVER A POWERTRAIN CONTROL MODULE (PCM) IS REPLACED DUE TO FAILURE, THE SOFTWARE OF THE REPLACEMENT CONTROLLER SHOULD BE VERIFIED FOR THE LATEST REVISION LEVEL. USE THE FLASH PROCEDURE TO UPDATE REPLACED CONTROLLERS AS NECESSARY.
EQUIPMENT/PARTS REQUIRED:
1 CH6OOO Scan Tool (DRB III(R))1 CH7035 General Purpose Interface Bus Cable (GPIB)1 CH7000/7001 J1962 Cable1 04669020 Label - Authorized Software Update1 04275086 Label - Authorized Modification
NOTE :THE MDS AND DRB III(R) ARE REQUIRED TO PERFORM THIS REPAIR AND THE SYSTEM MUST BE OPERATING WITH RELEASE 21 OR HIGHER AND TIL CD RELEASE 1173 OR HIGHER MUST BE INSTALLED.
POLICY: Reimbursable within the provisions of the warranty.
TIME ALLOWANCE:
Labor Operation No: 08-19-40-98 PCM, Reprogram 0.5 Hrs.FAILURE CODE: FM - Flash Module

 

Thank you Galvanized Yankee. Looks like the dealer was trying to pull one over on me. They had the car over two weeks and did nothing but say they were in process of getting hard to get condenser kit parts. My daughter drove 300miles to the dealer in Mississippi (near where the car suffered seizure of the original compressor at 134k miles) that had done the compressor replacement and redid the work under their warranty. This time they also replaced the condenser which most seem to think should always be done when the compressor is replaced. Hopefully, this time the work was done correctly, but the dealer in MS tells me the condenser fan is not working (has a bad motor and not a bad relay since the other fan is working) and that could cause compressor failure in high ambient temps with stop and go traffic. Thanks again.